Showing posts with label Harry 'Sweets' Edison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry 'Sweets' Edison. Show all posts

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Dianne Reeves - The Grand Encounter

Styles: Vocal Jazz 
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:26
Size: 116,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. Old Country
(3:23)  2. Cherokee
(8:12)  3. Besame Mucho
(3:46)  4. Let Me Love You
(4:54)  5. Tenderly
(6:06)  6. After Hours
(3:27)  7. Ha!
(5:24)  8. Some Other Spring
(5:08)  9. Side By Side
(4:59) 10. I'm Okay

This CD could have been titled Finally! Dianne Reeves has long had the potential to be the top female jazz singer, but so many of her previous recordings were erratic as she skipped back and forth between idioms without committing herself. However, after years of flirting with jazz and being seemingly undecided whether she would rather be a pop star, she at last came out with a full jazz album in 1996, and it is a gem. The supporting cast on the ten selections (which feature different personnel on each cut) is remarkable and everyone gets a chance to play: trumpeters Clark Terry and Harry "Sweets" Edison, altoists Phil Woods and Bobby Watson, tenorman James Moody, trombonist Al Grey, harmonica great Toots Thielemans (on "Besame Mucho"), pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Herlin Riley.

In addition, Joe Williams shares the vocal spotlight on "Let Me Love You" and a touching version of "Tenderly," Germaine Bazzle sings along with Reeves on "Side by Side," and a rendition of Charlie Ventura's "Ha!" has a vocal group consisting of Reeves, Bazzle, Terry, Moody, and the young Kimberley Longstreth. Other highlights include Nat Adderley's "Old Country," "Some Other Spring," and "Cherokee." Despite the heavy "competition," the leader emerges as the star of the set due to her beautiful voice and highly expressive singing. This highly recommended CD is the Dianne Reeves release to get. By Scott Yanow
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-grand-encounter-mw0000081516

Personnel: Vocals – Dianne Reeves, Germaine Bazzle, Joe Williams , Kimberley Longstreth; Vocals, Tenor Saxophone – James Moody; Vocals, Trumpet – Clark Terry ; Alto Saxophone – Bobby Watson , Phil Woods; Bass – Rodney Whitaker; Drums – Herlin Riley; Harmonica – Toots Thielemans; Piano – Kenny Barron; Trombone – Al Grey ; Trumpet – Harry "Sweets" Edison

The Grand Encounter

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Oscar Peterson - Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (4-Disc Set)

Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Louis Bellson, Ray brown, Benny Carter, Martin Drew, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Roy Eldridge, Duke Ellington, Jon Faddis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stephane Grappelli, Coleman Hawkins, Louis Hayes, Johnny Hodges, Barney Kessel, Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Joe Pass, Mickey Roker, Clark Terry, Toots Thieleman, Ed Thigpen, David Young, and more.

Oscar Peterson's recordings on the Pablo label span the years from the '50s to the '70s and have long needed this type of lavish anthology. Over the course of four discs, you get to hear five tunes by the classic trio matching the peerless pianist with guitarist Herb Ellis and bassist Ray Brown. But the best of that particular band – arguably Peterson's finest – resides largely on the Verve label, so the Pablo years find Peterson interacting with a number of stars with whom he shared studio or concert stage time on an occasional, sometimes casual basis. The supporting cast on the Pablo years is dazzling, and the results are rarely less than deeply satisfying. Peterson sounds delightfully restrained during a charming piano duet with Count Basie, deliciously witty with growling trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, and nearly intimidated by the virtuosity of Stephane Grappelli, but then again, "Nuages" is the tune this box showcases, and the violinist had a few decades after Django's death to stake his claim to that number.

Half of the 46 tracks here are live, and live recordings always bring out the flashy entertainer in Peterson. Yet even for those critics like myself who find Peterson more focused and inspired in the studio, there are ecstatic rewards in the live offerings here. A 1967 concert with the Ellington band finds Peterson navigating a strangely compelling blues line through a show-stopping "Take the A Train" that succeeds in spite of obvious showboating. Another live bit of Ellingtonia that succeeds, a medley of Perdido and Caravan at dizzying speed, comes from a 1986 Los Angeles concert where Peterson's telepathic empathy with guitarist Joe Pass equals in sheer majesty his interaction of the '50s with Herb Ellis.

There are a handful of regrettable clinkers: a misguided vocal that sounds like Nat King Cole recorded at the ocean floor, a quizzical number on clavichord, surely not Peterson's ideal instrument (as he was quick to recognize), and an overripe orchestrated tribute to the late Princess Di that resembles in sap content Ellington's tribute to the Queen. These gaffes aside, this is a sterling, well-programmed set certain to please fans of our forever-young, and arguably, greatest living pianist. ~Norman Weinstein

Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:13
Size: 169.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[4:48] 1. That Old Black Magic
[5:00] 2. Tenderly
[3:22] 3. How High The Moon
[4:40] 4. The Way You Look Tonight
[3:40] 5. You Are Too Beautiful
[4:47] 6. Smedley
[5:08] 7. Someday My Prince Will Come
[6:03] 8. Daytrain
[3:33] 9. Moonglow
[4:36] 10. Sweet Georgia Brown
[6:23] 11. C Jam Blues
[6:37] 12. Wes' Tune
[8:42] 13. Okie Blues
[6:50] 14. You Can Depend On Me

Album:Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:59
Size: 169.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[8:40] 1. You Are My Sunshine
[6:58] 2. Caravan
[7:09] 3. Stella By Starlight
[4:43] 4. Little Jazz
[5:28] 5. Soft Winds
[6:30] 6. Mean To Me
[7:52] 7. Oh, Lady Be Good
[4:20] 8. On A Slow Boat To China
[4:26] 9. Summertime
[7:18] 10. Blues For Birks
[4:54] 11. How Long Has This Been Going On
[5:34] 12. Hogtown Blues

Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 1) (Disc 2)

Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 3)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:01
Size: 174.0 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[ 5:22] 1. Blues Etude
[ 3:37] 2. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
[ 7:18] 3. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
[ 6:44] 4. Just In Time
[ 4:46] 5. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
[ 6:23] 6. Goodbye
[ 6:25] 7. Falling In Love With Love
[ 7:13] 8. Nigerian Marketplace
[ 6:28] 9. Sometimes I'm Happy
[13:14] 10. Perdido
[ 8:27] 11. Cool Walk


Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 4)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:47
Size: 166.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[ 5:27] 1. Take The 'a' Train
[12:57] 2. Ballad Medley 5400 North
[ 6:14] 3. Exactly Like You
[11:17] 4. Au Privave
[10:50] 5. If I Were A Bell
[ 8:05] 6. Nuages
[ 3:46] 7. Some Of These Days
[ 4:58] 8. Lady Di's Waltz
[ 9:09] 9. Stuffy

Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 3)(Disc 4)

Monday, February 5, 2024

Kitty White - A New Voice In Jazz

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:15
Size: 171,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:51)  1. Skylark
(3:42)  2. Among My Souvenirs
(4:20)  3. If You Were Mine
(4:02)  4. So Many Beautiful Men
(4:25)  5. With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair
(4:11)  6. With Every Breath I Take
(2:35)  7. Let's Go Around Together
(3:50)  8. Softly
(2:52)  9. Porgy
(3:33) 10. See Saw
(2:53) 11. Out Of This World
(3:29) 12. Talk Me Some Sweet Talk
(3:17) 13. Please Be Pacient
(2:13) 14. When The Wind Was Green
(2:25) 15. Of Thee I Sing
(2:53) 16. Where Or When
(3:09) 17. Forever Young
(3:01) 18. So Help Me
(2:24) 19. I Know That You Know
(3:21) 20. Lazy Afternoon
(2:25) 21. Dat's Love
(2:38) 22. It Was So Beautiful
(1:36) 23. Alone Together

Kitty White for years has been a nightclub favorite among audiences in Los Angeles, frequently singing sophisticated songs with well-traveled lyrics. Colorful, precise and imaginative, she has a remarkable voice that owes allegiance to no particular style. Aside from occasional side trips to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York, Kitty has always stayed pretty much on home base, so it's not strange to find her here surrounded by groups featuring some outstanding West Coast jazz musicians. Impeccable in diction, phrasing and control, her work with them is a study in perfection.   http://www.jazzloft.com/p-46675-a-new-voice-in-jazz.aspx

Personnel:  Kitty White (vocals); Georgie Auld, Ted Nash (tenor sax, flute); Harry Sweets Edison (trumpet); Gerald Wiggins (piano); Benny Carter (alto sax); Larry Bunker (vibes, conga); Carlos Vidal (bongo, congas); Alvin Stoller (drums); Red Callender (bass)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Gene Harris And The Philip Morris Superband - Live At Town Hall, N.Y.C.

Styles: Piano Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:39
Size: 151,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:41)  1. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
(4:42)  2. Creme De Menthe
(4:25)  3. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(5:31)  4. Love Is Here To Stay
(6:39)  5. I'm Just A Lucky So And So
(6:41)  6. Serious Grease
(4:14)  7. Like A Lover
(5:05)  8. Old Man River
(5:57)  9. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
(6:26) 10. Porgy And Bess Medley: Strawberry Woman / I Loves You Porgy / It Ain't Necessarily So
(3:18) 11. You're My Everything
(3:48) 12. There Is No Greater Love
(4:06) 13. Things Ain't What They Used To Be

This CD documents one of the first concerts by Gene Harris' star-studded big band, an orchestra heard at the beginning of an 80-day world tour. Unlike his earlier big band Basie tribute album, Harris is not the only musician to get significant solo space on this set although, due to the overflowing lineup, not enough is heard from everyone. The straightforward arrangements (by John Clayton, Frank Wess, Torrie Zito, Bob Pronk and Lex Jasper) balance swingers with ballads. Among the more memorable tracks are Harry "Sweets" Edison's feature (both muted and open) on "Sleepy Time Down South," a pair of fine vocals apiece by Ernie Andrews and Ernestine Anderson, the roaring "Old Man River" and Harris' interpretation of Erroll Garner's ballad "Creme de Menthe." Toss in short solos from the likes of Ralph Moore, James Morrison (on trombone), Frank Wess, Michael Mossman and baritonist Gary Smulyan and the result is a satisfying, swinging and fairly fresh big band date.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-town-hall-nyc-mw0000202851

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Flute – Frank Wess, Jerry Dodgion;  Baritone Saxophone – Gary Smulyan;  Bass – Ray Brown;  Bass Trombone – Paul Faulise;  Drums – Jeff Hamilton;  Guitar – Herb Ellis;  Piano – Gene Harris;  Tenor Saxophone – Ralph Moore ;  Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – James Moody; Trombone – Eddie Bert, James Morrison, Urbie Green;  Trumpet – Harry "Sweets" Edison, Joe Mosello, Johnny Coles, Michael Philip Mossman;  Vocals – Ernestine Anderson, Ernie Andrews .

Live At Town Hall, N.Y.C.

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Buddy Rich, Harry 'Sweets' Edison - Buddy And Sweets

Styles: Swing, Bop
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:54
Size: 90,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:35) 1. Yellow Rose Of Brooklyn
(8:20) 2. Easy Does It
(2:13) 3. All Sweets
(4:07) 4. Nice Work If You Can Get It
(9:43) 5. Barney's Bugle
(4:43) 6. Now's The Time
(5:10) 7. You're Getting To Be A Habbit With Me

The powerhouse drums of Buddy Rich together with the understated trumpet of Harry "Sweets" Edison? Seems like an odd pairing, but they really clicked on this 1955 quintet session-this is small-group swing at its liveliest and most captivating: Yellow Rose of Brooklyn; Easy Does It; Now's the Time; Nice Work if You Can Get It , and more!~Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Buddy-Sweets-Rich-Harry-Edison/dp/B0000ACAJJ

Personnel: Harry Sweets Edison – trumpet; Buddy Rich – drums; Jimmy Rowles – piano; Barney Kessel – guitar; John Simmons – bass

Buddy And Sweets

Monday, September 30, 2019

Lester Young & Harry 'Sweets' Edison - Pres And Sweets

Styles: Saxophone And Trumpet Jazz 
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:32
Size: 109,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:15)  1. Mean To Me
(5:12)  2. Red Boy Blues
(5:14)  3. Pennies For Heaven
(4:35)  4. That's All
(5:19)  5. One O'clock Jump
(8:24)  6. She's Funny That Way
(5:38)  7. It's The Talk Of The Town
(5:52)  8. I Found A New Baby

This 1955 session could really be termed a reunion date. The tenor saxophonist and trumpeter had worked together in the Count Basie Orchestra , Harry Edison for 17 years and Lester Young for seven of those. Together again, these two jazz giants revive the musical rapport they first developed in the Basie band. 

Young and Edison's approach on this session reflects their tenure with Basie; for example, it was common for Young to solo followed directly by Edison in the Basie days, and they follow that same plan here. The two horn players perform a swinging, rousing version of the Count's legendary "One O'Clock Jump," which features superb solos by pianist Oscar Peterson and drummer Buddy Rich, both legends in their own right. Other highlights on Pres & Sweets include the subtle "Pennies from Heaven" and the lovely ballad, "It's the Talk of the Town," the latter of which displays Herb Ellis' delicate guitar stylings and Pres' beautiful light and airy tone. ~ Rovi Staff https://www.allmusic.com/album/pres-and-sweets-mw0000264791

Personnel: Harry Edison - trumpet; Lester Young - tenor saxophone; Oscar Peterson - piano; Herb Ellis - guitar; Ray Brown - bass; Buddy Rich - drums

Pres And Sweets

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis, Harry 'Sweets' Edison - Jawbreakers

Styles: Saxophone And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:29
Size: 96,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:13)  1. OO-EE!
(5:18)  2. Broadway
(6:34)  3. Jawbreakers
(3:33)  4. Four
(4:38)  5. Moolah
(4:42)  6. A Gal In Calico
(5:54)  7. I've Got A Crush On You
(5:34)  8. Close Your Eyes

Harry "Sweets" Edison and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis always made for a logical combination for both had immediately recognizable sounds and could say an awful lot with one note. This early collaboration (reissued on CD), their first joint recording, finds the pair joined by pianist Hugh Lawson, bassist Ike Isaacs and drummer Clarence Johnston. 

The repertoire (three basic Edison originals plus five jazz standards) serves as strong vehicles for swinging solos with highlights including "Broadway," "Four" and "A Gal in Calico." Easily recommended to straightahead jazz fans as are the later Sweets-Lockjaw recordings. 
~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/jawbreakers-mw0000312066

Personnel:  Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - tenor saxophone; Harry "Sweets" Edison - trumpet; Hugh Lawson - piano; Ike Isaacs - bass; Clarence Johnston - drums

Jawbreakers

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Harry 'Sweets' Edison - Gee, Baby Ain't I Good to You

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:26
Size: 100,0 MB
Scans: Front

(7:38)  1. Blues For Piney Brown
(4:50)  2. Blues For The Blues
(9:31)  3. Blues For Bill Basie
(3:32)  4. Gee, Baby Ain't I Good To You
(6:52)  5. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
(7:03)  6. Taste On The Place
(3:57)  7. Moonlight In Vermont

Harry "Sweets" Edison got the most mileage out of a single note, like his former boss Count Basie. Edison, immediately recognizable within a note or two, long used repetition and simplicity to his advantage while always swinging. He played in local bands in Columbus and then in 1933 joined the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra. After a couple years in St. Louis, Edison moved to New York where he joined Lucky Millinder and then in June 1938, Count Basie, remaining with that classic orchestra until it broke up in 1950. During that period, he was featured on many records, appeared in the 1944 short Jammin' the Blues and gained his nickname "Sweets" (due to his tone) from Lester Young. In the 1950s, Edison toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic, settled in Los Angeles, and was well-featured both as a studio musician (most noticeably on Frank Sinatra records) and on jazz dates. He had several reunions with Count Basie in the 1960s and by the '70s was often teamed with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis; Edison also recorded an excellent duet album for Pablo with Oscar Peterson. One of the few swing trumpeters to be influenced by Dizzy Gillespie, Sweets led sessions through the years for Pacific Jazz, Verve, Roulette, Riverside, Vee-Jay, Liberty, Sue, Black & Blue, Pablo, Storyville, and Candid among others. Although his playing faded during the 1980s and '90s, Edison could still say more with one note than nearly anyone; he died July 27, 1999, at age 83. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/harry-sweets-edison-mn0000670641/biography

Personnel: Trumpet – Harry'Sweets'Edison; Bass – Ray Brown; Drums – Alvin Stoller; Guitar – Barney Kessel; Piano – Oscar Peterson; Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster

Gee, Baby Ain't I Good to You

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Ella Fitzgerald - 30 By Ella

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1968
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:49
Size: 128,6 MB
Art: Front

(12:22)  1. Medley: My Mother's Eyes.....
( 6:21)  2. Medley: Four Or Five Times....
( 7:06)  3. Medley: On Green Dolphin Street.....
(11:09)  4. Medley: If I Give My Heart To You.....
( 6:41)  5. Medley: Candy....
( 9:49)  6. Medley: No Regrets.....
( 2:18)  7. Hawaiian War Chant

Included here are 30 standards arranged into six extended medleys, showcasing Fitzgerald's extraordinary interpretative powers. Benny Carter is in charge of the arrangements with his "Magnificent Seven" providing the faultless backing. Along the way we also hear some fine fills and solo work from Carter, George Auld, Harry "Sweets" Edison, and pianist Jimmy Jones. 

As for Ella, she navigates effortlessly through the material, always swinging and scatting in all the right places and sounding right at home no matter which way the music moves. One of the nicer entries to her latter-day recorded legacy. ~ Cub Koda https://www.allmusic.com/album/30-by-ella-mw0000691329

Personnel:  Ella Fitzgerald – vocals; Jimmy Jones – piano; Harry "Sweets" Edison – trumpet; Georgie Auld – tenor saxophone; John Collins – guitar; Panama Francis – drums (tracks 3 & 6); Louis Bellson  - drums (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7); Bob West – bass

30 By Ella

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Harry Edison - Summer 1978

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:38
Size: 125.1 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 1978/2017
Art: Front

[5:57] 1. Imagination
[6:05] 2. Yesterdays
[6:29] 3. The Shadow Of Your Smile
[6:41] 4. How Deep Is The Ocean
[5:32] 5. Ghost Of A Chance
[5:15] 6. Our Love Is Here To Stay
[3:57] 7. Polka Dot And Moonbeans
[4:28] 8. These Foolish Things
[6:12] 9. Yesterdays (Take 2)
[3:58] 10. Polka Dot And Moonbeans (Take 2)

Trumpet legend Harry Edison in a very cool setting – working here on an obscure quartet date that also features lots of work on Hammond from the great Bill Doggett! Edison rarely recorded with an organist, which makes the session already such a standout – and Doggett is great in the setting – playing with a more relaxed, flowing style than on his own romping records of the R&B years. Other players include Milt Hinton on bass and Oliver Jackson on drums – and the set's got some great muted ballads that really show off the sweet side of Edison's style. Titles include "How Deep Is The Ocean", "Imagination", "Yesterdays", "The Shadow Of Your Smile", "Our Love Is Here To Stay", and "Polka Dots & Moonbeams".

Summer 1978 mc
Summer 1978 zippy

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Milt Jackson - Night Mist

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:06
Size: 110,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:36)  1. Blues In My Heart
(5:45)  2. Double B
(5:26)  3. Blues For Clyde
(7:13)  4. A Matter Of Adjustment
(9:17)  5. Night Mist Blues
(7:53)  6. Other Bag Blues
(5:53)  7. D.B. Blues

Most of vibraphonist Milt Jackson's recordings as a leader have been at the head of a quartet or quintet. This spirited set has a variety of "near blues" material being interpreted by an all-star septet featuring such unique voices as trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, the tenor of Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and altoist Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson in addition to Jackson, pianist Art Hillery, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Larance Marable. There are plenty of magical moments created on this set by these classic jazzmen. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/night-mist-mw0000192023   

Personnel: Milt Jackson (vibraphone); Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson (alto saxophone); Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor saxophone); Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet); Art Hillery (piano); Ray Brown (bass); Larance Marable (drums)

Night Mist

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Ben Webster, Harry Edison - Essential Sextet Jazz Masters

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 144:11
Size: 330.1 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. Alone Together
[8:41] 2. Sunrise Blues
[3:30] 3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
[6:51] 4. Just A Mood
[3:26] 5. Makin' Whoopee
[3:55] 6. Moonlight In Vermont
[3:36] 7. Willow Weep For Me
[5:53] 8. Blues For The Blues
[4:50] 9. Willow Weep For Me
[6:51] 10. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
[3:21] 11. Louise
[3:21] 12. Love Is Here To Stay
[3:26] 13. Bidin' My Time
[7:14] 14. Walkin' With Sweets
[3:35] 15. Hollering At The Watkins
[9:29] 16. Blues For Bill Basie
[7:01] 17. The Night Is Blue
[5:59] 18. Used To Be Basie
[5:06] 19. Opus 711
[2:31] 20. Moon Song
[3:44] 21. How Deep Is The Ocean
[3:31] 22. K.M.Blues
[7:21] 23. Easy On The Eyes
[7:36] 24. Blues For Piney Brown
[8:13] 25. Studio Call
[4:48] 26. Blues For The Blues
[7:01] 27. Taste On The Place

Ben Webster (ts), Harry Edison (tp), Jimmy Rowles (p), Barney Kessel (g), Joe Mondragon (b), Alvin Stoller (d).

You are getting the fruits of collaborations between Sweets and Ben Webster during 1956-57, including tracks from albums led by both Red Norvo and Woody Herman. This compilation is identical in content to a 2-CD set titled Complete Sextet Studio Sessions. The key difference is the tracks in this compilation are scattered and interleaved, whereas the tracks on the CD version are grouped by source albums and sessions.

The CD set is sequenced that way and the listening experience is enhanced (in my opinion) when you hear the tracks from each session in that order. On the other hand, this MP3 version has almost the same sound quality as the CD set for a fraction of the cost. Either way, if you are a Ben Webster or Sweets Edison fan you win. ~Mike Tarrani

Essential Sextet Jazz Masters 

Friday, April 13, 2018

Art Tatum - The Best Of The Pablo Group Masterpieces (Remastered)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:57
Size: 160.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003/2006
Art: Front

[5:03] 1. Perdido
[7:07] 2. Memories Of You
[3:34] 3. You Took Advantage Of Me
[7:12] 4. All The Things You Are
[5:22] 5. Body And Soul
[6:13] 6. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[4:11] 7. The Moon Is Low
[7:11] 8. Just One Of Those Things
[3:49] 9. Street Of Dreams
[7:11] 10. Somebody Loves Me
[7:14] 11. My Ideal
[5:45] 12. Deep Night

Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter (tracks: 6, 9); Bass – John Simmons (tracks: 3, 7), Red Callender (tracks: 2, 4, 8, 11, 12); Drums – Alvin Stoller (tracks: 3, 7), Bill Douglass (2) (tracks: 2, 4, 11, 12), Buddy Rich (tracks: 1, 5, 10), Jo Jones (tracks: 8), Louis Bellson (tracks: 6, 9); Guitar – Barney Kessel (tracks: 10); Piano – Art Tatum; Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster (tracks: 4, 11); Trumpet – Harry "Sweets" Edison (tracks: 10), Roy Eldridge (tracks: 3, 7); Vibraphone [Vibes] – Lionel Hampton (tracks: 1, 5, 10).

A rich and rewarding core sample, selected from one of Norman Granz's deepest gold mines. The full set of Tatum ensemble master takes was released on eight vinyl records in 1975, appearing with alternate takes as a box of seven compact discs in 1990. Since then, each separate session has been issued on a single, affordable CD. With the release of this best-of, the only remaining untried reissue format stratagem could almost be conducted according to the laws of chance. If someone were to divide up the existing 59 master takes (saving the alternate takes for a "Best of the Tatum Alternates" compilation), the entire body of work could be issued as a numbered best-of series, the titles carefully shuffled at random. But each volume would possibly still omit something that could be considered essential. This is the insoluble problem with anything calling itself a best-of. Fortunately, the Tatum group recordings produced by Norman Granz during the years 1954, 1955, and 1956 actually deserve the word "masterpieces." While Tatum himself is honored as one of the very most gifted and influential of all jazz musicians, without exception every musician who participated in these sessions was adept, inspired, and, in many cases, masterful. (There are those who would suggest that the Art Tatum/Ben Webster date could stand by itself as the best of the group masterpieces.) Here, for once, is a package worthy of its title. A bit of the best of some of the very best jazz ever recorded. ~arwulf arwulf

The Best Of The Pablo Group Masterpieces (Remastered) mc
The Best Of The Pablo Group Masterpieces (Remastered) zippy

Monday, February 19, 2018

Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis - Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:42
Size: 141.2 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, Trumpet jazz
Year: 1976/1997
Art: Front

[9:18] 1. Opus Funk
[9:32] 2. Robbin's Nest
[8:04] 3. Candy
[5:28] 4. C Jam Blues
[7:25] 5. Lullaby For Dancers
[7:45] 6. Lester Leaps In
[6:08] 7. Spotlite
[7:59] 8. Blues Walk

Bass – Hugo Rasmussen; Drums – Svend-Erik Nørregaard; Piano – Kenny Drew; Tenor Saxophone – Eddie Davis; Trombone – John Darvill; Trumpet – Harry Edison. Recorded July, 1976 - Rosenberg Sound Technic, Denmark.

Although trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison gets top billing on this Storyville LP, he is only on half of the selections and none of the ones that feature tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and vocalist Richard Boone (who mostly sings his three features straight). Leonardo Pedersen's Jazzkapel (a Danish 11-piece group) is a small big band that sometimes bows in the direction of Count Basie and backs the three guests. Actually nothing all that essential occurs but Edison and Davis completists and fans of mainstream jazz may want to get this set. ~Scott Yanow

Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis mc
Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis zippy

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Ben Webster - The Soul Of Ben Webster (2-Disc Set)

Bass – Jimmy Woode (tracks: CD2: 4-14), Milt Hinton (tracks: CD1: 1-7), Ray Brown (tracks: CD1: 8-12; CD2: 1-3); Drums – Alvin Stoller (tracks: CD1: 8-12; CD2: 1-3), Dave Bailey (tracks: CD1: 1-7), Sam Woodyard (tracks: CD2: 4-14); Guitar – Barney Kessel (tracks: CD1: 8, 9, 12; CD2: 1, 3), Herb Ellis (tracks: CD1: 10, 11; CD2: 2), Mundell Lowe (tracks: CD1: 1-7); Piano – Billy Strayhorn (tracks: CD2: 4-14), Jimmy Jones (3) (tracks: CD1: 1-7), Oscar Peterson (tracks: CD1: 8-12; CD2: 1-3); Saxophone [Alto] – Johnny Hodges (tracks: CD2: 4-14); Saxophone [Tenor] – Ben Webster (tracks: CD1: 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; CD2: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13), Harold Ashby (tracks: CD1: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7); Trombone – Vic Dickenson (tracks: CD2: 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13); Trumpet – Art Farmer (tracks: CD1: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7), Harry Edison (tracks: CD1: 8-12; CD2: 1-3), Roy Eldridge (tracks: CD2: 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13).

How can you go wrong with this 2 CD set that combines three late 1950's Verve recordings by Ben Webster, Harry "Sweets" Edison and Johnny Hodges into one set. Roy Eldridge comes along for the ride as well as a few other notables from the Norman Granz stable. This collection of music includes a lot of swing renditions of classic standards and some blues, and a few ballads. Each leader shines on his respective set, especially Edison who's selection of 8 tunes is heavily swing/blues oriented in a very Basie-esque style. Highly recommended if you're a small ensemble swing fan. ~William Faust

Album: The Soul Of Ben Webster (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:28
Size:  172,3MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Jazz instrument, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995

( 3:48)  1. Fajista
( 3:40)  2. Chelsea Bridge
(15:31)  3. Charlotte's Piccolo
( 4:10)  4. Coal Train
( 4:53)  5. When I Fall In Love
( 4:23)  6. Ev's Mad
( 8:24)  7. Ash
( 4:51)  8. Blues For The Blues
( 7:40)  9. Blues For Piney Brown
( 3:58) 10. Moonlight In Vermont
( 7:11) 11. Taste On The Place
( 5:52) 12. Blues For The Blues

The Soul Of Ben Webster (Disc 1)

Album: The Soul Of Ben Webster (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:16
Size:  181,4MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Jazz instrument, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

(3:39)  1. Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You?
(9:33)  2. Blues For Bill Basie
(6:53)  3. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
(3:34)  4. I Didn't Know About You
(9:39)  5. Reelin' And Rockin'
(3:20)  6. Gone With The Wind
(4:04)  7. Honey Hill
(3:24)  8. Blues-A-Plenty
(3:43)  9. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(6:01) 10. Saturday Afternoon Blues
(5:04) 11. Satin Doll
(3:46) 12. Cool Your Motor
(9:44) 13. Reelin' And Rockin'
(5:45) 14. Don't Take Your Love From Me

The Soul Of Ben Webster (Disc 2)

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges - Back To Back

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:43
Size: 109,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:30)  1. Wabash Blues
(8:05)  2. Basin Street Blues
(7:39)  3. Beale Street Blues
(6:58)  4. Weary Blues
(5:51)  5. The St. Louis Blues
(7:13)  6. Loveless Love
(5:23)  7. Royal Garden Blues

Here we have an oddity in the Duke Ellington collection, a small-band record that includes not a single Ellington composition and only one Ellington musician, co-leader and alto sax king Johnny Hodges. The repertoire consists of seven classic blues, including three from the pen of W.C. Handy, and the results of this informal 1959 session are nothing short of remarkable. The other major solo voice is Harry "Sweets" Edison, a Count Basie-band veteran who seems particularly inspired on this day. His embrace of the melody on "Basin Street Blues" shows great tenderness laced with simply perfect blues-based accents. Hodges offers a virtual lesson throughout in how to build solos from the ground up, nuzzling the nostalgic melodies at first before adding colorful embellishments. Meanwhile, Ellington's spare improvisations and clever comping offer bold chord choices and typically idiosyncratic timing without overwhelming the basic structure and feeling of the blues. No question, a record of old standards and easygoing statements can be just as powerful as any. ~ Marc Greilsamer https://www.amazon.com/Play-Blues-Back-VME-Remastered/dp/B0000047CU

Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Les Spann (guitar); Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet); Jo Jones (drums). 

Back To Back

Monday, November 13, 2017

Oscar Peterson, Harry 'Sweets' Edison - Oscar Peterson & Harry Edison

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:51
Size: 116.4 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Piano jazz
Year: 1975/1995
Art: Front

[6:10] 1. Easy Living
[4:52] 2. Days Of Wine And Roses
[6:04] 3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
[7:23] 4. Basie
[6:32] 5. Mean To Me
[5:06] 6. Signify
[4:38] 7. Willow Weep For Me
[4:33] 8. The Man I Love
[5:29] 9. You Go To My Head

The third of Oscar Peterson's five duet albums with great trumpeters (the other encounters feature Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Eldridge, Clark Terry, and Jon Faddis) teams the masterful pianist with the great swing stylist Harry "Sweets" Edison. The trumpeter, who uses repetition to great degree and had pared his style down to a relatively few notes, matches well with the virtuosic Peterson on these seven standards and their two simple originals, "Basie" and "Signify." Together Edison and O.P. give the impression that their chance-taking improvisations are completely logical and a lot easier to play than they really are. ~Scott Yanow

Oscar Peterson & Harry Edison

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Buddy Rich - This One's For Basie

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:55
Size: 93.7 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 1957/1990
Art: Front

[4:46] 1. Blue And Sentimental
[4:05] 2. Down For Double
[5:41] 3. Jump For Me
[7:16] 4. Blues For Basie
[6:22] 5. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[2:57] 6. Ain't It The Truth
[5:11] 7. Shorty George
[4:33] 8. 9:20 Special

Drummer Buddy Rich put together an interesting 11-piece group for this tribute to Count Basie. The only Basie alumnus present is trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison but the other soloists (trombonist Frank Rosolino and Bob Enevoldsen, Bob Cooper on tenor and pianist Jimmy Rowles) easily fit into the setting. Marty Paich contributed the arrangements, there are plenty of drum solos and the music, if not all that memorable, can easily be enjoyed by straightahead jazz fans. ~Scott Yanow

This One's For Basie

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Al Grey - Jazz At The Philharmonic (Remastered)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:44
Size: 111.6 MB
Styles: Bop, Soul-jazz
Year: 1983/1995
Art: Front

[10:15] 1. I'm Just A Lucky So And So
[ 5:16] 2. I May Be Wrong
[ 4:16] 3. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
[ 4:35] 4. Stompin' At The Savoy
[ 3:58] 5. EdTime After Time
[ 5:56] 6. Secret Love
[ 4:05] 7. It Could Happen To You
[10:19] 8. Slow Drag

Despite its title, this Pablo album is not a reunion of Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic although it does seek to recreate some of the original spirit of the 1950s organized jam sessions. Tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis heads the swinging sextet which also includes trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, trombonist Al Grey, Art Hillery on piano and organ, bassist John Heard and drummer Roy McCurdy. "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" and "Slow Drag" are given lengthy interpretations (both are around ten minutes apiece) while six other familiar standards are more concise. Nothing all that unusual occurs but there are some fiery moments from the classic swing stylists. ~Scott Yanow

Jazz At The Philharmonic (Remastered)

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Ray Brown - Bass Hit!

Styles: Jazz, Bop
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:38
Size: 124,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:04)  1. Blues For Sylvia
(4:00)  2. All Of You
(4:28)  3. Everything I Have Is Yours
(3:42)  4. Will You Still Be Mine
(4:52)  5. Little Toe
(4:46)  6. Alone Together
(2:30)  7. Solo For Unaccompanied Bass
(4:09)  8. My Foolish Heart
(5:36)  9. Blues For Lorraine
(2:50) 10. After You've Gone
(4:49) 11. After You've Gone (Complete Takle)
(3:01) 12. After You've Gone
(2:44) 13. After You've Gone (Complete Takle)

Since he played on some of the earliest Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker records in 1945, Brown is regarded as the father of modern bass playing. He made his name at that time with the groundbreaking role he played on Gillespie's One Bass Hit. He has been a leading virtuoso for half a century and his tone and dexterity are still something to wonder at, as was shown in an unforgettable master class that he gave to students for a BBC television broadcast. His "Solo for Unaccompanied Bass" here is another dazzling performance. Elsewhere, he's in an unusual setting before an all-star West Coast big band playing a set of arrangements by Marty Paich. Brown bites powerfully into his featured role, notably in an incredibly fast "After You've Gone," and he's helped by key soloists like trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison (reprising his role on Sinatra's albums) and clarinetist Jimmy Giuffre. If you're a bass player, be careful with this album. It might make you want to give up. ~ Steve Voce https://www.amazon.com/Bass-Hit-Ray-Brown/dp/B00000JNP2

Personnel: Ray Brown (bass); Marty Paich (arranger, conductor); Jack Dulong, Herb Geller (alto saxophone); Jimmy Giuffre (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Bill Holman (tenor saxophone); Harry "Sweets" Edison, Conrad Gozzo, Ray Linn, Pete Candoli (trumpet); Herbie Harper (trombone); Jimmie Rowles (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Mel Lewis, Alvin Stoller (drums).

Bass Hit!